The Badass Photo Retreat is a new thing for us that I’ve talked about a lot with the people closest to me, especially photographers. In an nutshell it’s designed to be a photo shoot that we arrange 100% from a styling and logistical standpoint – so all you need to do as a participant is bring your camera gear and your creativity. I wish there was a way in words to convey what the experience is like, how much fun it is. How deep the connections form with the photographers and models. It’s like the Real World, only no drama.

This day was magic. Joshua Tree is a holy place – that’s a tall statement from a non religious person.

The last time I can remember actually being in Tijuana longer than just driving through to get to the border was years ago. I was 18 and for some very odd reason I let my friends convince me to go with them to a night club. Not only did I not care about dancing, I’ve been totally sober all my life and being around drunks to this day is decidedly not my thing. I remember the experience being torturous, but I equated it very little with actually being in Mexico but the general atmosphere of any club scene. Then life happened and I moved away. A lot of drug cartel stuff went down and Tijuana seemed a bit scary.

So since moving back I had been wanting to go and check it out. We went down specifically this time on a mission to find some items for the Badass Photo Retreat with our Spanish speaking friends Ali and Carlos. Carlos actually used to live in Tijuana so he was the perfect guide. I actually didn’t really take all that many photos – but visually Tijuana is an endless potential subject to me. I definitely need to go back for the intent purpose of just taking photos someday very soon.

At our last party I did a few more portraits on the garage roof. Only I miscalculated the amount of available light I’d have and ended up having to bring in a speedlite to supplement. I’m not super awesome with flash work, but the Phottix Mitros+ and Odin transmitter makes life easier.